LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has named Ronald D. Sugar, 53, president and chief operating officer, it was announced today by Kent Kresa, chairman and chief executive officer. Dr. Sugar was elected to Northrop Grumman's board of directors last April.

Mr. Kresa stated, "With our recent acquisition of Litton Industries, Northrop Grumman is now a $15 billion top-tier global enterprise with 80,000 employees. Ron's appointment provides our company with additional management depth, experience and expertise at an important time in our company's history. This strengthened corporate management structure will support and complement the outstanding leadership we have in place at our five sectors."

Mr. Kresa added, "Ron has demonstrated excellent leadership and management capabilities in many capacities throughout his distinguished career and, since the Litton acquisition, he has played a key role in quickly and successfully integrating the Litton operations into the company. Ron's knowledge and understanding of the operations of both Litton and Northrop Grumman will serve him well in his new position. I look forward to working with him as we manage and grow our businesses around the world."

Dr. Sugar stated, "I am extremely pleased to be given this opportunity. I believe in the strategic vision Kent Kresa has set for our company, and I am looking forward to working closely with the outstanding leadership team we have in place."

For the past 11 years, Mr. Kresa has held the position of chairman, president and chief executive officer, leading Northrop Grumman in its transition from primarily an aircraft company to a leading defense electronics, information technology, systems integration, ship systems and component technologies enterprise.

The company also announced that effective immediately it has also established an Office of the Chairman, which will consist of the corporation's chairman and chief executive officer and the president and chief operating officer. The Office of the Chairman will be responsible for the total operations of the corporation.

Mr. Kresa further stated, "In light of the tragic events of last week, it has become manifestly clear how important defense companies are to this nation. We want to be sure that we are in the best possible position to serve the best interests of America, our employees, customers and shareholders."

Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, Dr. Sugar was president and chief operating officer of Litton Industries and a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to Litton, he was president and chief operating officer of TRW Aerospace and Information Systems and a member of the three-man Chief Executive Office of TRW Inc., a $17 billion global automotive, aerospace and information systems company. In his nearly 20 years with TRW, Dr. Sugar also served as chief financial officer of the corporation and as executive vice president and general manager of TRW's global automotive electronics business.

Dr. Sugar graduated summa cum laude in electrical engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles, where he also received his master's and doctoral degrees in the same field. In 1996, he was honored by his alma mater as Alumnus of the Year.

Dr. Sugar was appointed by the President of the United States to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. He is a trustee of the National Defense Industrial Association, and has served on the board of governors of the Aerospace Industries Association and on the Conference Board Council of Operating Executives.

He and his wife, Valerie, who have two grown children, reside in Westlake Village, Calif.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $15 billion, global aerospace and defense company with its worldwide headquarters in Los Angeles. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in defense and commercial electronics, systems integration, information technology and non-nuclear shipbuilding and systems. With 80,000 employees and operations in 44 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.